| line spread function | A measure of the ability of a system to form sharp images; in radiology, determined by measuring the spatial density distribution on film of the X-ray image of a narrow slit in a dense metal, such as uranium; from this can be calculated the modulation transfer function. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| liver function test | <investigation> A test that measures the blood serum level of several enzymes produced by the liver. An elevated liver function test is a sign of possible liver damage. Examples include: prothrombin time, PTT, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase and serum albumin. (14 Oct 1997) |
| lymphocyte function associated antigen | A member of the integrin family that is expressed on all leukocytes and binds to ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 on a variety of cells. (05 Mar 2000) |
| lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 | A heterodimer molecule widely expressed on cells of haematopoietic origin. Cd11a antigen comprises the alpha chain and the CD18 antigen (antigens, CD18) the beta chain. Lfa-1 is a major receptor of T-cells, B-cells, and granulocytes. It mediates the leukocyte adhesion reactions underlying cytolytic conjugate formation, helper T-cell interactions, and antibody-dependent killing by natural killer cells and granulocytes. Intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (icam-1) has been defined as a ligand for lfa-1. (12 Dec 1998) |
| adjustment disorders | Maladaptive reactions to identifiable psychosocial stressors occurring within a short time after onset of the stressor. They are manifested by either impairment in social or occupational functioning or by symptoms (depression, anxiety, etc.) that are in excess of a normal and expected reaction to the stressor. (12 Dec 1998) |
| affective disorders | A class of mental disorder's characterised by a disturbance in mood. (05 Mar 2000) |
| affective disorders, psychotic | Disorders in which the essential feature is a severe disturbance in mood (depression, anxiety, elation, and excitement) accompanied by psychotic symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, gross impairment in reality testing, etc. (12 Dec 1998) |
| alcohol-related disorders | Mental disorders related or resulting from abuse or mis-use of alcohol. (12 Dec 1998) |
| amphetamine-related disorders | Disorders related or resulting from use of amphetamines. (12 Dec 1998) |
| anxiety disorders | Disorders in which anxiety (persistent feelings of apprehension, tension, or uneasiness) is the predominant disturbance. (12 Dec 1998) |
| articulation disorders | Disorders of speech sound production characterised by substitution, omission, and distortion of sounds. (12 Dec 1998) |
| auditory perceptual disorders | Disorders of auditory perception manifesting as difficulties with auditory memory, speech perception and sound localization. Lesions are usually in the temporal lobe. (12 Dec 1998) |
| bowel disorders and fibre | High fibre diets help delay the progression of diverticulosis and, at least, reduce the bouts of diverticulitis. In many cases, it helps reduce the symptoms of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome ( IBS ). It is generally accepted that a diet high in fibre is protective, or at least reduces the incidence, of colon polyps and colon cancer. (12 Dec 1998) |
| calcium metabolism disorders | Disorders in the processing of calcium in the body: its absorption, transport, storage, and utilization. (12 Dec 1998) |
| gender identity disorders | A class of mental disorders characterised by an incongruity between an assigned culturally determined set of attitudes, behaviour patterns, and physical characteristics associated with masculinity or femininity and gender identity. See: transsexualism. (05 Mar 2000) |